Travels to Italy inspired grower/winemaker Len Parris to enter the Washington state wine industry, and his work with Sangiovese has helped not only Chandler Reach win gold and Platinum medals, but also other winemakers. The Tuscan-themed winery/ tasting room west of the Tri-Cities and its sweeping view of the Yakima River is an ideal setting for this supple and velvety Sangio … [Read more...] about Chandler Reach Vineyards 2019 Chandler Reach Vineyard H. Len Parris Signature Sangiovese, Yakima Valley $55
platinum awards
Coventina Vineyards 2016 Tempranillo, Rogue Valley $35
This Southern Oregon boutique vineyard and winery remains a passion project of Chris Amen, whose late father, Lou, led the Certified Grocers of California. She wisely placed her wine production in the hands of renowned grower/winemaker Herb Quady and his Barrel 42 team in Medford, and that relationship has now led to a trio of Platinums. Two of those have been for Tempranillo … [Read more...] about Coventina Vineyards 2016 Tempranillo, Rogue Valley $35
Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Skål Sparkling Wine, Royal Slope $65
In the spring of 2021, the Lawrence family promoted Chilean-grown and Bordeaux-trained Matías Kúsulas into the dual role of head winemaker and head viticulturist. He’s rapidly made a name for himself across Washington state not only for his work with Gård, but also Desert Wind and his two side projects — Valo and Massalto. Here, his talent with Burgundy varieties bubbles forth … [Read more...] about Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Skål Sparkling Wine, Royal Slope $65
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2021 Lonesome Spring Vineyard Orange Moscato, Yakima Valley $16
Best Buy! Natalie Conway-Barnes continues to share the winemaking credit with her father, Mike, and they work with vines two decades old for this delicious Muscat made in an off-dry style. Notes of honeyed lemon tea, peach and cantaloupe run from start to finish, and there’s enough juiciness to balance the 1% residual sugar for a lingering farewell. Elena Conway, Natalie’s … [Read more...] about Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2021 Lonesome Spring Vineyard Orange Moscato, Yakima Valley $16
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Red Heaven Vineyard Tempranillo, Red Mountain $35
Mark Lathrop’s talent with Tempranillo has led to his second Platinum in three years with this Spanish red variety that’s rapidly earned a following throughout the Northwest. Early on, there’s notes of Bloody Chocolate Cup — a treat made of dark chocolate, cherries and raspberries — with secondary sensations of cured meat and smoky tapenade. Length in the finish is reminiscent … [Read more...] about Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Red Heaven Vineyard Tempranillo, Red Mountain $35